I am a firm believer that the making of a great restaurant perfectly aligns ambiance, superb service and purely delectable cuisine. If a restaurant does not deliver on these three- it simply does not fall in the “great category”.

My recent visit to Powerhouse Restaurant not only accomplished this feat- but it achieved it with great historical gusto!

Powerhouse Restaurant is located at 215 N. Clinton.  Interestingly enough - it once was the Western Railway Power Plant -and is known for its 233-foot smokestack. Despite this smokestack, I do recommend keeping your eyes open, because the restaurant can be easily missed in the Fulton River District area.  Once I stepped in however, the historical roots seemed to smack me in my face. The restaurant actually shakes and you can hear the trains as they pass below. While some diners might find this fact annoying, I found the noise of the trains only to add to the charm. I also loved how the staff seemed to embrace the history of the place.

The superb service also started immediately as I entered the restaurant. My husband and I were welcomed by owner, Jimmy Alexander, and it became quite apparent to me that he never lost his Greek charm that he used in the days while owner of the Pegasus in Greek Town.  The dining room has a “simple elegant” feel to it. I recommend asking to sit in the full booths, which exude an old-time Chicago feel.

Once seated, I was inspired by the menu. I genuinely appreciated the  seasonal options and the fact that they offer more than just steak.

I started off with several starters.  Our waiter recommended the Lemon Risotto (left).  It did not disappoint. With a creamy, oh so creamy (don't tell me how much butter is in there!) texture and light summer flavors of lemon, this is a dish that was just a perfect start to my August meal.  The pine nuts, marscapone and arugula were a perfect addition.    To top it all off, it was impeccably paired with the Paul Goerg Brut Rose. 

Our waiter also recommended the Romaine Hearts salad. To be honest, I really didn’t think there would be anything special about a Romaine Hearts salad. However, I was wrong. It was fantastic! My husband- who is not a big salad eater- couldn’t stop eating it. So what’s the secret?

It is all about Alexander's Garlic Dressing.- and a secret it is. According to our waiter, the owner was up at 2 am making the secret sauce. I don’t know if I buy this…but I will order the salad again! Besides the dressing, you can't go wrong with quail eggs, bacon or shallots, either.

Now onto the main entree.  If you like crust on your steak, with almost a rub like consistency, go for the Prime Rib-eye.  It offers flavor and texture on the outside and perfect tenderness within.  If you are a fish person, I would try the Grilled Swordfish (below), which is normally served with Lobster Risotto.  Although, mine was served with custard instead (I believe they were out of the lobster ravioli - so sad!), I still enjoyed it.  It was light and flavorful and I enjoyed the delicacy of the custard with the fish.

On to the fun sweet stuff now!  Dessert!  I must say I was hesitant and resistant to the highly recommended Sweet Potato Doughnuts served with Brown Butter, Apples, Pepitos and Cinnamon Sabayon.  However, as I found myself eating these with tremendous fervor and taking more than my fare share, I quickly realized a need to re-evaluate my disdain for sweet potatoes.   Wow, this amazing dessert sits in a class by itself.  The 2006 Kracher Beerenauslese Cuvee was just perfect with this sweet treat.

There is no doubt that after dinner, sometime this fall, I will be going on a little walk.  Destination?  Powerhouse Restaurant, to chow down on this scrumptious dessert !

Overall, Powerhouse Restaurant packed a palatable punch that has left me excited to return.  I know I wasn't the only one who agrees because as I left the restaurant I heard many other "ooh's and aah's" regarding the menu and the Blueberry Cake, which I will try next time.

Much acclaim to the chef, Jeff Mauro (North Pond & Charlie Trotter's), and his team for a great night!